Europe is actively enhancing its orbital defense capabilities, yet despite significant planned upgrades by 2030, achieving full independence from global superpowers remains an expensive challenge.

Driven by Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and a move away from its traditional reliance on the US in the space sector, Europe is intensifying efforts to develop its military assets in orbit.

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Currently, European authorities, military forces, and civilian sectors heavily rely on services enabled by space, such as satellite-based communications.

For a long time, these technologies were viewed more as helpful supplements than fundamental strategic resources. That perception shifted notably after the KA-SAT satellite network cyberattack in February 2022, which preceded Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The deliberate attack on Viasat, operated by the US, caused widespread disruption to telecommunications, energy grids, and internet connectivity throughout Europe, leaving Ukrainian government agencies and citizens disconnected during a critical period as Russian forces entered the nation.

In early 2026, at the European Space Conference, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, urged the 27 member countries to unite in pursuit of space independence.

Despite this, a recent analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a defence and security think-tank, suggests that greater European self-sufficiency in space military capabilities remains a distant goal, potentially extending beyond the late 2030s.

Which countries are investing in space defence?

European nations plan to allocate a minimum of €95.46 billion ($109 billion) towards space-related capabilities by 2030.

Germany has pledged €35 billion for space assets by 2030 and released its Space Safety and Security Strategy in November 2025. Meanwhile, France increased its space defence funding to €10.2 billion over the same timeframe.

At the EU level, the European Commission intends to invest €10.6 billion in a new secure satellite constellation, scheduled for completion by 2030.

Members of the European Space Agency have also committed €1.2 billion to the European Resilience from Space programme, which serves both civil and military purposes.

However, bridging the gap with the United States will be challenging: sharing space defence responsibilities might require an extra €8.67 billion, and achieving total autonomy could demand an added €21.67 billion.

Furthermore, these sums do not include most ground segment infrastructure, personnel costs, training, cyber resilience measures, and other program overheads.

Experts emphasize that true autonomy would also take more time, potentially pushing the timeline well into the late 2030s.

«Current investments lack a coordinated approach aimed at closing the most critical capability gaps within the upcoming decade,» the IISS stated.